I get by with a little help from my friends:)

One thing I love about the Midwest is people here are genuinely kind. Not just polite for appearances, but they have a genuine care for your well-being. I have heard this is especially true here in St. Louis.

In my case, I have an amazing group of girls who I have grown close to at my church, Matthias' Lot. I have found that as a mom and a wife, it is very difficult to maintain friendships if you are not at the same stage of life, or if your friends can't come to you. (IE: they are single, or without kids). Because of this difficulty, many people appreciate the closeness of family at this stage of life, due to their ability to be around with a moment's notice. Instead, we gather for bible study, play dates, and the occasional GNO (Girls' night out.) During these times, I am so encouraged by these women! They build me up, don't talk bad about their husbands, and offer to take the kids when i need a break. They support me and build my confidence as a wife and mom. They help me stay sane while my husband is working insane hours, and they listen to my struggles. These women are my family here.

My husband is very busy, but when he is home he is always saying, "You should go do something. Call someone and go see a movie or something!" The only problem with this is that, like me, my friends are also moms and can't just drop everything with a moment's notice to "hang out." My best friend and I each have a 3 year old girl and a 1 year old boy. This has been an amazing blessing in that our entire family can benefit from hanging out together. We have a great time together! We understand each other. She recently had her third baby, a boy:) He is completely adorable and snuggly and sweet, and gives me baby fever all over again! She got home from the hospital while I was out of town, so upon returning home, i was hit with the realization that a lot is changing. She is going to need help! 3 kids under 3! I already missed her! I knew that our times together were already mostly stolen away time on the phone during nap times and now I didn't even know a good time to call, or if she would have time to talk. Then, the sadness set in.

This is the girl who taught me how to be a true friend. She supports me when my family does not. She loves me and looks out for my well-being and doesn't judge me. I only hope I can bless her as much as she has blessed me. I know that her busyness isn't the end of our friendship. She has the uncanny ability to "do it all" and still know when her friends are in need. She is a sister to me and I thank God for her. So, now our times together will be play dates while wrestling our little ones and kissing boo-boos. Not too bad:) These are the days.